The Environmental Center

Brilliant Beavers: Cultivating Climate Resilience
2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | OR
Join us at Oregon Natural Desert Association’s first online event of the 2026 High Desert Speaker Series with an evening all about beavers. Come learn about the important role of beavers in helping wildlife adapt and ecosystems thrive in a changing climate with Dr. Emily Fairfax, Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Minnesota and beaver researcher.
Dr. Fairfax will elaborate on how beavers support a healthy environment, particularly their ability to retain precious desert water and combat drought. She will also outline a natural history of beavers and why we should care about helping them recover their populations in Oregon’s high desert. Jefferson Jacobs, ONDA’s riparian restoration manager, will join to share how our stream restoration work is grounded in creating beaver habitat to support the health of the entire ecosystem.

Nature Nights: Central Oregon’s Stealthy Sierra Nevada Red Fox
2026-01-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Sierra Nevada red fox may be one of the rarest mammals in North America—but don’t tell it that. This elusive, mountain-loving carnivore has a knack for showing up only when it feels like it…which is not often. Join Deschutes Land Trust and Jamie Bowles, Regional Habitat Biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and unofficial “fox whisperer,” for a lively dive into what we’re learning about these high-elevation Houdinis. Jamie will share new findings on where the foxes roam, what habitats they actually prefer (versus the ones they let us find), and why studying them often involves snow, patience, and the occasional sense of humor. Attendees will leave with a clearer picture of the fox’s status in the Central Cascades, a few behind-the-scenes field stories, and a renewed appreciation for one of Oregon’s most charming and frustratingly stealthy animals. This presentation is free, but you must get your ticket online.

Energize Bend Public Comment Workshop
2026-02-04 16:30 - 18:30 | 805 SW Industrial Way 5, Bend, OR
In a time when our government has hardly been more dysfunctional, kick off February with a healthy dose of civic engagement 🙂‍↔️
We are working to pass a Climate Pollution Fee with the City of Bend. Join the Energize Bend team to learn about how this fee would be passed, and how to make a public comment. After our workshop, we will go to City Council and make our comments! You can expect pizza, learn what a public comment is, how to write a testimony, and right after the workshop, we encourage you to join us at City Hall and put your new skills into practice! Need more knowledge on Energize Bend? Check us out!
Can’t join us but want to sign the petition? https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/pass-a-climate-impact-fee

Mountainfilm on Tour - Bend: Night One
2026-02-06 17:30 - 21:30 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join us for Mountainfilm on Tour – Bend—an annual fundraiser for The Environmental Center.
Each year, The Environmental Center brings Mountainfilm on Tour to Bend to showcase incredible documentary films, thoughtfully curated for our Central Oregon audience. This film event features stories of adventure, climate change, culture, and resilience from around the world.

Doors open at 5:30pm, films begin at 6:30pm.
Same lineup both nights
All films will be captioned in English.
ASL interpretation will be available both evenings.

BLACK HISTORY EMPOWERMENT RETREAT
2026-02-07 09:00 - 14:00 | COCC Redmond, 2324 NE College Lp, Redmond, OR, 97756 , United States
A student-led retreat — with breakfast and lunch provided — that explores creativity and resilience, wellness, and personal branding/business acumen. Includes a powerful conversation with OSU-Cascades’ Human Development professor Shandell Landon. *Priority registration for students

Moutainfilm on Tour-Bend: Night Two
2026-02-07 17:30 - 21:30 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States

FILM SCREENING: TONI MORRISON: THE PIECES I AM
2026-02-10 18:00 - 20:30 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
An intimate portrait of Toni Morrison, Nobel- and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, editor and cultural force, from her upbringing in Lorain, Ohio, to the front lines of activism. Stay for a rich discussion led by COCC English professor/Humanities chair Stephanie André

Forged in Fire: The Volcanic Activity that Shaped Oregon’s High Desert
2026-02-11 07:00 - 20:00 | OR
Oregon Natural Desert Association’s High Desert Speaker Series continues as we uncover the dynamic geologic forces that created eastern Oregon’s stunning landscapes. Dr. Ellen Bishop, author, photographer and geologist, will discuss a recent geological discovery linking the formation of Oregon’s high desert rock formations with the Yellowstone hotspot. Come learn more about how iconic high desert sites came to be, including Steens Mountain, the Owyhee Canyonlands and many others, in this photography-rich and visually engaging presentation.

Nature Nights: Caring for Our Rivers and Streams
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:30 | OR
Streams and their surrounding lands are critical to Central Oregon’s plants and animals, from trees and flowers to elk and the tiniest bugs. This is just one reason the Deschutes Land Trust has a deep focus on caring for and restoring the streams and meadows on lands that we’ve protected. Join our own Restoration Specialist, Jason Grant, as he discusses the importance of streams and floodplains, the efforts the Land Trust and our partners are undertaking to promote long-term strength of those habitats through restoration, what results we’ve seen so far, and how these results inform future projects. Jason will share how our collective work can ensure these essential habitats are thriving long into the future. This presentation is free and ticket sales open one month prior to the event.

VIRTUAL

Everyday Revolution: Building a World of Respect, Ijeoma headshotDignity and Liberation
2026-02-24 18:30 - 21:00 | OR
Join acclaimed author and speaker Ijeoma Oluo for a powerful keynote conversation on transforming the world through everyday action. Drawing from her latest book, Be a Revolution, Oluo will challenge us to reimagine activism—not as a distant ideal, but as a daily commitment to respect, dignity and liberation. This event will celebrate the transformative power of everyday people working toward justice—and invites us all to take part in creating lasting, nonviolent change.

How Water Moves Through Central Oregon: From Snowpack to Streams, Farms, and Faucets
2026-02-25 18:00 | OR
This Raise the Deschutes seminar explores the basics of how water flows through Central Oregon, from precipitation and winter snowpack to rivers, groundwater, farms, and municipal systems. We’ll break down the differences between surface water and groundwater, why timing matters as much as volume, and how seasonal conditions shape water availability across the basin. Designed as an accessible, big-picture overview, this conversation provides shared context for understanding water challenges and opportunities in Central Oregon—now and into the future.

BLACK HISTORY DINNER CELEBRATION
2026-02-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
An inspiring dinner event honoring the strength, brilliance and legacy of Black women whose resilience continues to move communities forward. Curated and emceed by COCC Afrocentric students.

Stand up for Energy Affordability
2026-03-03 17:00 - 19:00 | The Breakroom, 1055 "B Northwest, Bend, Oregon, 97703, United States
We’re holding a public hearing to tell the Oregon Public Utility Commission to protect families from a big gas rate hike proposed by Cascade Natural Gas. Cascade wants to raise home gas bills by 17.4%, which could push the average winter bill up to $135, right when people need heat the most. At a time when many Oregon families are already struggling to pay their energy bills, this increase would make things even harder. Cascade is also spending money to grow the gas system and invest in costly renewable natural gas projects that may not help everyday households. We believe families should not have to pay more for risky investments and shareholder profits that clearly don’t benefit our community.

A Tribal Family History of the Wadatika’a Band of Northern Paiutes
2026-03-11 07:00 - 20:00 | OR
The final event of Oregon Natural Desert Association’s High Desert Speaker Series features Dr. Diane Teeman, an archaeologist, scholar and tribal elder of the of the Wadatika’a Band of Northern Paiutes. Dr. Teeman will share the history and culture of her family and discuss her work as an anthropologist. She will also highlight the deep connection between cultural traditions and environmental conservation within the Tribe. Ryan Houston, ONDA’s executive director, will briefly highlight the current steps ONDA is taking to conserve Oregon’s high desert in partnership with local Tribes.

Nature Nights: The Water Remembers
2026-03-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Amy Bowers Cordalis (Yurok)—attorney, author of The Water Remembers, and Executive Director/Co-Founder of Ridges to Riffles Indigenous Conservation Group—for a talk on the largest dam removal and river restoration project in world history. Amy will share the story of the Klamath River, from its creation teachings and Indigenous stewardship to the devastation caused by colonization, hydropower dams, and the 2002 fish kill. She’ll reveal how generations of Klamath Basin Indigenous Peoples combined ceremony, legal advocacy, grassroots action, and strategic partnerships to win a historic $515 million settlement, leading to the removal of four dams and the return of more than 400 miles of salmon habitat. Amy will explore how Indigenous rights, cultural values, and ecosystem restoration can reshape policy, strengthen democracy, and deliver real climate solutions. Her message is one of resilience and hope: the water remembers, the fish remember, and together, we can renew the world. This presentation is free and ticket sales open one month prior to the event.

2026 Oscar Nominee "The Voice of Hind Rajab"
2026-03-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Hitchcock Building, Pioneer Building 201, COCC, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join this incredibly rare LIVE Q&A with Omar Alqam, the Palestinian paramedic who is depicted in the film, joining us directly from Ramallah for his first US appearance.

Saturdays at Skyliner
2026-03-14 09:00 - 14:00 | Skyliner Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Road, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Visit Skyliner Lodge on a visit to the Tumalo Valley during our “open lodge” days this winter. The lodge will be open from 9am-3pm for the community to visit, enjoy hot chocolate and a sweet treat, and warm up by the fire. Each month we’ll have a special guest speaker or activity highlighting the history or ecology of the area around the lodge. Skyliner Lodge is a special part of Bend’s history, and we want everyone in our community to be able to feel the magic of this place.
Make a day of it by stopping in before or after an ski or snowshoe to Tumalo Falls, or sledding at the sno-park. The lodge will be open for families or groups of friends to have a warm place to enjoy their lunch, or a meet others in the community.
More information to come!

Saturdays at Skyliner
2026-03-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-21 09:00 - 14:00 | Skyliner Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Road, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Visit Skyliner Lodge on a visit to the Tumalo Valley during our “open lodge” days this winter. The lodge will be open from 9am-2pm for the community to visit, enjoy hot chocolate and a sweet treat, and warm up by the fire. Each month we’ll have a special guest speaker or activity highlighting the history or ecology of the area around the lodge. Skyliner Lodge is a special part of Bend’s history, and we want everyone in our community to be able to feel the magic of this place.
February’s guest speaker is Laurie Danzuka, enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Laurie will share aspects of Warm Springs culture and history, including traditional foods and stories about her role as a designated food gatherer for her family.
Make a day of it by stopping in before or after an ski or snowshoe to Tumalo Falls, or sledding at the sno-park. The lodge will be open for families or groups of friends to have a warm place to enjoy their lunch, or a meet others in the community. We’ll have some kids activities plus snowshoes to borrow. Everyone is invited to stop in or come and stay awhile.
Come visit this special place in our community.

Repair Cafe with School of Ranch & Open Space
2026-04-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States

Film Screening: The Antidote
2026-04-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Latino Community Association, 2445 NE Division Street, Suite 200, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Restorative Justice & Equity invites you to a community film screening of The Antidote, followed by guided reflection and discussion. This gathering is designed to be a comfortable, welcoming, and collaborative space where community members can connect, reflect, and engage with one another. All are welcome ages 15+.

Cheetah Conservation Fund Presentation
2026-04-04 16:30 - 19:30 | Embark, 2843 NW Lolo Dr., Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Dr. Laurie Marker, Cheetah Conservation Fund’s Executive Founder and Director, and a Time Magazine “Hero for the Planet” headlines this special educational and fundraiser event. Learn about Cheetah conservation, shop for Namibian crafts, join our silent auction, enjoy refreshments. April 4, 4:30-7:30pm, Embark, 2843 NW Lolo Dr, Bend. RSVP: wildid@gmail.com. Free.

Public Lands, Public Voices | Reclaiming Roadless Forests
2026-04-06 17:30 - 19:30 | OSU Cascades – Edward J. Ray Hall, Atrium, 1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Learn about the national threat to nearly 60 million acres of our wild, roadless public lands—and take action to defend them.

Public Lands, Public Voices
25 years ago, the US Forest Service held more than 600 public meetings during the process to create the Roadless Rule, one of the most important conservation measures in history—and it could soon be repealed.
The Forest Service’s current process to repeal may not include a single public meeting—so our community is hosting our own. Join us to speak up for your national forests.

Embodying Resistance: Somatics Workshop
2026-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 | OR
In a rapidly changing world, building capacity within your body is a tool we can all use in our resistance fight. Join us for a fundraiser in partnership with LCA about how we turn our values and ideals into physical action in the world and our community.

Fifth Annual Earth Day Fashion Show
2026-04-17 16:30 - 19:00 | Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend, 2600 Northwest College Way, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Students and staff will take to the fashion runway in honor of Earth Day during Central Oregon Community College’s (COCC) annual Clothing Connection Fashion Show on Friday, April 17. The event is a benefit for a free service that provides school and work clothing to students of COCC and Oregon State University-Cascades (OSU-Cascades).

Practical Migra Watch
2026-04-17 18:00 - 20:00 | OR
This training is for those who have previously taken the MW training and would like to practice what they learned through different scenarios.

Sisters Community Cleanup Day
2026-04-18 09:00 - 12:00 | fir street park, 130 N Fir St, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
Join C4C, the City of Sisters, SOLVE, and Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) for a community-wide cleanup on Saturday, April 18. With signature support from Hayden Homes – and just in time for Earth Day – this is a chance to flaunt your civic muscles, rally your friends for a morning of public service, and help spruce up the town.

Kids’ Entrepreneur Market
2026-04-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Elks Lodge, Three Sisters Room, 63120 Boyd Acres Rd, bend, Oregon
Join us for our annual Kid’s Entrepreneur Market where kiddos from all over Central Oregon set up their own tables and booths to sell the creations they have made! Bring cash and get ready to find the perfect gift.

Kids’ Entrepreneur Market on April 18th
2026-04-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Elks Lodge, Three Sisters Room, 63120 Boyd Acres Rd, bend, Oregon
Join Bend’s favorite market supporting the kiddos! Browse a variety of crafts, projects, and incredible work for sale from young entrepreneurs.

Accompaniment Training
2026-04-18 18:00 - 20:00 | OR
If you have completed the MW training and would like to help by driving people to their ICE check-ins or court hearings, this training is for you.
